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19 days and 18:20:34
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Square Hearts
Not yet published
Expected 14 May 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
19 days and 18:20:34
100 copies available
U.S. only
The heart has many sides. But people have even more.
Nicola’s husband always said hearts have four sides. But ever since the night her world was shattered when he died in a car accident, Nicola Cooper can’t find a side that loves herself, let alone connects with her neurodivergent daughter.
Determined to start living again, Nicola finds herself in a number of precarious situations. Her muffin-making neighbor turns out to be more narcissistic than nice. She’s getting lessons in lust from her daughter’s violin teacher. And every margarita night gets her closer to her late husband’s best friend, who is a constant reminder of all that she lost.
Nicola’s life is definitely changing—which isn’t ideal because her daughter Daisy hates change.
As secrets surface and hearts collide, Nicola must face an impossible choice—the security of the past or the uncertain promise of a new beginning.
Nicola’s husband always said hearts have four sides. But ever since the night her world was shattered when he died in a car accident, Nicola Cooper can’t find a side that loves herself, let alone connects with her neurodivergent daughter.
Determined to start living again, Nicola finds herself in a number of precarious situations. Her muffin-making neighbor turns out to be more narcissistic than nice. She’s getting lessons in lust from her daughter’s violin teacher. And every margarita night gets her closer to her late husband’s best friend, who is a constant reminder of all that she lost.
Nicola’s life is definitely changing—which isn’t ideal because her daughter Daisy hates change.
As secrets surface and hearts collide, Nicola must face an impossible choice—the security of the past or the uncertain promise of a new beginning.
228 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This books is one I didn’t know I needed to read.
It was refreshing to read about a mom who’s kind of a hot mess. She’s had incredible loss, and having to navigate that is never easy. She has a daughter who’s on the spectrum, and the ups and downs that can bring.
My heart felt all of the feelings for more than just the FMC… I wanted to hug her and tell her all would be ok. I wanted to smack a child for how she treated another child.
Loved it!!
This books is one I didn’t know I needed to read.
It was refreshing to read about a mom who’s kind of a hot mess. She’s had incredible loss, and having to navigate that is never easy. She has a daughter who’s on the spectrum, and the ups and downs that can bring.
My heart felt all of the feelings for more than just the FMC… I wanted to hug her and tell her all would be ok. I wanted to smack a child for how she treated another child.
Loved it!!
January 29, 2026
I cannot wait to read the new Balko book! Everything this author writes is worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I needed this book— I just didn't realize how bad until I read it!!!
Getting older has been one disappointment and disillusionment after another. From romance to parenting, all the things I dreamt of as a kid, came differently than I expected. And I didn't know what to do with that, which is exactly the situation Nicola finds herself in.
Never have I related to a character more! What I loved about this book was that I could deeply relate to all of her feelings about love, aging, friendship, & parenting a neurodivergent kiddo.
There are complexities that Balko captures that made me feel less alone like desiring to feel attractive in midlife, the hardships of navigating new friendships, figuring out when and where to apply boundaries, understanding/overcoming desire, and learning to love one's self.
I found myself laughing out loud, getting upset when Nicola or Daisy were upset, and flipping the pages feverishly when the scenes got spicy. This book truly has it all: romance, parenting, loss, grief, family drama, frenemies, fosters, and laugh-out-loud uncomfortable moments that will make you remember what it's like to feel all the emotions life throws at you.
Square Hearts weaves wisdom, heartbreak, and love together to create an unforgettable story about what it means to become a woman stitching herself back together when her world falls apart at the seams.
You will not be disappointed. I promise you 🖤
Getting older has been one disappointment and disillusionment after another. From romance to parenting, all the things I dreamt of as a kid, came differently than I expected. And I didn't know what to do with that, which is exactly the situation Nicola finds herself in.
Never have I related to a character more! What I loved about this book was that I could deeply relate to all of her feelings about love, aging, friendship, & parenting a neurodivergent kiddo.
There are complexities that Balko captures that made me feel less alone like desiring to feel attractive in midlife, the hardships of navigating new friendships, figuring out when and where to apply boundaries, understanding/overcoming desire, and learning to love one's self.
I found myself laughing out loud, getting upset when Nicola or Daisy were upset, and flipping the pages feverishly when the scenes got spicy. This book truly has it all: romance, parenting, loss, grief, family drama, frenemies, fosters, and laugh-out-loud uncomfortable moments that will make you remember what it's like to feel all the emotions life throws at you.
Square Hearts weaves wisdom, heartbreak, and love together to create an unforgettable story about what it means to become a woman stitching herself back together when her world falls apart at the seams.
You will not be disappointed. I promise you 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nicola Cooper is a self-proclaimed mess, and who can blame her? Her beloved husband died in a car crash, her neurodivergent daughter is brilliant but challenging, her father has dementia, and her mother is pressuring her to move back to her childhood home. As if that weren’t enough, Nicola guiltily harbors lustful thoughts about not one but two neighbors—one of them her late husband’s best friend, the other a flirty violinist married to an earth-mother type who smothers Nicola with attention. These intertwined friend and family relationships form the backdrop of Square Hearts, the newest offering from Julee Balko.
Square Hearts is realistic women’s fiction – with a touch of romance and sizzle – at its finest. Balko brings us a memorable cast of characters revolving around the flawed but sympathetic heroine who struggles to repair her damaged life. In this character-driven work, the portrayals of Nicola and the other players are consistently multi-faceted and authentic. (I particularly enjoyed the nuanced depiction of the violinist’s family.) Though this is not an action-packed page-turner, there’s plenty here that will keep readers engaged – from the unexpected plot twists to the clear and fluid writing, to the satisfying emotional depth that Balko delivers with every page. Highly recommended!
Square Hearts is realistic women’s fiction – with a touch of romance and sizzle – at its finest. Balko brings us a memorable cast of characters revolving around the flawed but sympathetic heroine who struggles to repair her damaged life. In this character-driven work, the portrayals of Nicola and the other players are consistently multi-faceted and authentic. (I particularly enjoyed the nuanced depiction of the violinist’s family.) Though this is not an action-packed page-turner, there’s plenty here that will keep readers engaged – from the unexpected plot twists to the clear and fluid writing, to the satisfying emotional depth that Balko delivers with every page. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
TW: pet euthanasia.
Oh dear. This book has (so far) such overwhelmingly positive reviews that I had to check myself for a moment. But no, other reviews shouldn’t detract from my own experience.
In the pro column, we have a female MC, Nicola, who is pressing on after a tragic loss. She’s also mom of a neurodivergent child, Daisy, who is processing that loss in her own way. Nicola develops a backbone as the story progresses (more on that in a bit). She is also buoyed by her neighbor (and late husband’s friend) Henry and his son Theo. Daisy, Henry, and Theo were the only characters I liked.
Now for the cons. Are most of these adults out of their minds? The creepy family next door, awash in organic baked goods and perfectionism while both of the parents (yes, both) creepily hit on Nicola? Or the little monster Sage who is a liar and manipulator who never gets called out? And Nicola’s mom, who just doesn’t get it? And so, so much exposition?
I very much appreciate the chance to read an advance copy. This did not happen to be my cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Oh dear. This book has (so far) such overwhelmingly positive reviews that I had to check myself for a moment. But no, other reviews shouldn’t detract from my own experience.
In the pro column, we have a female MC, Nicola, who is pressing on after a tragic loss. She’s also mom of a neurodivergent child, Daisy, who is processing that loss in her own way. Nicola develops a backbone as the story progresses (more on that in a bit). She is also buoyed by her neighbor (and late husband’s friend) Henry and his son Theo. Daisy, Henry, and Theo were the only characters I liked.
Now for the cons. Are most of these adults out of their minds? The creepy family next door, awash in organic baked goods and perfectionism while both of the parents (yes, both) creepily hit on Nicola? Or the little monster Sage who is a liar and manipulator who never gets called out? And Nicola’s mom, who just doesn’t get it? And so, so much exposition?
I very much appreciate the chance to read an advance copy. This did not happen to be my cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Square Hearts” by Julie Balko is the beautiful and heartwarming story of how Nicola tries to pull her life together after the tragic death of her husband. She’s barely hanging on—things aren’t easy being the mom of her neurodivergent daughter, Daisy. But her husband’s best friend Henry has been standing by her side, even offering her a cottage to live in on his property. Is this friendship enough? Should she take up her mother’s offer to move into the family home in a different state?
A family moves in, and at first, Nicola is swept in by their easy offer of friendship. Their daughter, Sage, is the same age as Daisy, and wouldn’t it be nice if Daisy could have a new friend? For the first time in ages, Nicola feels like she has a friend. But something isn’t quite right, and it takes her a while to put her finger on the problem.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. The writing was beautiful and my heart ached for the difficult times Nicola was going through. I finished the book in just a day and I’m looking forward to more by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for anARC of this book.
A family moves in, and at first, Nicola is swept in by their easy offer of friendship. Their daughter, Sage, is the same age as Daisy, and wouldn’t it be nice if Daisy could have a new friend? For the first time in ages, Nicola feels like she has a friend. But something isn’t quite right, and it takes her a while to put her finger on the problem.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. The writing was beautiful and my heart ached for the difficult times Nicola was going through. I finished the book in just a day and I’m looking forward to more by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for anARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a thoughtful and unique story of a young widow picking up the pieces of her life. Nicola is wrestling with how to best parent her neurodivergent daughter after the sudden death of her husband and wondering if her heart will ever heal enough to imagine falling in love again. Along with her full-time grief, she’s attempting to find deeper friendships, unsure whether her new neighbors will fill that need. Her late husband’s best friend provides a brightness to her life during their weekly taco nights, but is it possible their feelings might one day grow beyond friendship?
I enjoyed the realistic treatment of parenting and struggling to balance the needs of your child with your own needs. Nicola's appreciation of her daughter is a fantastic example for anyone who wants to better understand neurodiversity.
If you’re looking for a novel that doesn’t shy away from grief and the tough parts of life but also gives you an injection of hope, this is not to be missed. Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After the devastating and tragic loss of her husband, Nicola struggles with how to live and raise her neurodivergent daughter without him. Written with heart-tugging depth, Square Hearts is irresistible, endearing, and an emotional journey toward acceptance and healing. With a shocking twist, forgiveness hangs in the balance and sometimes comfort is found in the most unexpected places. A heartwarming story about finding oneself after loss and learning to love again. Don’t miss it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Author Julee Balko knocked it out of the park, speaking as both an author and psychotherapist. Her real, complex, and satisfying storyline in Square Hearts kept me flipping the pages to know what happened next, for both the grief and neurodivergent parent journeys. She was spot on with mental health representation and human experience in general, weaving both masterfully into a story that will stay in any heart for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this was a heartfelt journey of how a small group of people come together as neighbors. one woman learns she is strong and finally stands up for herself. touches on jealousy and guilt in potential relationships. it has a happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
From the first page, this book gripped my heart. I fell in love with the characters and never wanted the story to end. Squared Hearts by Julee Balko is a beautiful, powerful, unforgettable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In a web of grief, Nicola navigates motherhood, romance, and friendship. She's learning how to live without the love and guidance of her late husband, while searching for steady ground. Neurodivergence representation is the beautiful core of Square Hearts, but ultimately, it's a celebration in loving ourselves.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews